Lifetime cover
Protects your pet for life, as long as the policy is renewed each year.
💡 Most popular
Protect yourself from expensive vet bills
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Pet insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK. But it can financially protects you if your Shih-Tzu is hurt or involved in an incident.
Shih-Tzu insurance can cover costs in the following situations:
Your Shih-Tzu is ill, injured, or needs to be put down
Your Shih-Tzu is lost or stolen
Your Shih-Tzu harms someone or their property (including their pets)
Generally Shih- Tzus are considered an affordable breed to insure especially compared to other popular toy breeds or larger breeds.
Pet insurers may also charge more for pedigree breeds like Shih- Tzus because they cost more to replace and are more attractive to thieves.
The average cost of dog insurance is £19.95[4] a month. Shih- Tzus insurance, is similar and costs an average of £15.15[3] a month.
Some factors that change the price you pay for pet insurance are:
The type of cover you select
Your pet's age
Your pet's breed
If your pet has any history of aggression
If your pet has any pre-existing medical conditions
Your location
Your claim history
On average, owners of aggressive pets pay 8.50%[5] more for their pet insurance. A pet that has had complaints made about it will cost its owners 6.34%[5] more.
Some ways to reduce the price of your pet insurance premiums include:
Compare quotes
Select a multi-pet policy
Select an accident-only policy
Maintain your pet's health
Increase your excess
Pay annually
Spay or neuter your pet
Spaying or neutering your pets will reduce your insurance costs by an average of 0.56%[5] on average.
You can find much bigger savings of up to 44.23%[5] by selecting an accident-only insurance policy, but you will get much more limited cover.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI)
There are four main types of Shih-Tzu pet insurance:
Protects your pet for life, as long as the policy is renewed each year.
💡 Most popular
Sets limits on how much you can claim for any given illness or injury.
Covers your pet for a specific period of time (usually 12 months).
Only covers accidents, not illnesses.
💡 Cheapest
Cover varies by provider and policy, so always check your insurance documents.
✔ Vet bills e.g. medicines, therapies and prescriptions
✔ Hospital visits
✔ Diagnosing illnesses e.g. consultations, X-rays, MRIs
✔ Alternative therapies e.g. hydrotherapy or acupuncture
✔ Euthanasia
✔ Lost and stolen pets e.g. advertising, rewards, cost of animal
✔ Third party liability cover e.g. your dog harms someone or their property
✔ Emergency boarding fees e.g. while you are hospitalised
✖ Routine care e.g. pet vaccinations, boosters, regular check-ups
✖ Routine dental treatment including routine check-ups
✖ Fleas and worming
✖ Elective or cosmetic treatments
✖ Cremation and burial
✖ Training and obedience classes
✖ Banned breeds or dog breeds classed as dangerous
✖ Unvaccinated or unmicrochipped animals
Yes. You can cover most pre-existing conditions if you take out specialist pet insurance. These policies will almost certainly be pricier than standard policies.
Yes, pet insurers will usually still cover your Shih-Tzu if they sometimes bite or otherwise act aggressively. But you will probably have to pay higher insurance premiums.
Shih-Tzu dogs are prone to getting the following medical issues:
Dental problems
Eye issues
Respiratory problems
Shih-Tzus are not generally considered aggressive dogs. They are typically friendly and affectionate in nature.
As with all dog breeds they will need socialisation, exercise and stimulation to avoid any changes in temperament.
Only 0.3%[7] of Shih-Tzu owners report that their Shih-Tzu show signs of aggression such as tackling or biting other people or pets.
While opting for a cheaper pet insurance policy might save you a few pounds a month, it's crucial to consider what the policy covers and the actual cost of veterinary care if your pet gets sick. According to the ABI, the average claim in the UK was £668[6] in 2023, almost 50% higher than the average cost of a policy. Consulting your vet about potential conditions and their costs can help you choose the right coverage for your pet.
Lauren Chong Pet Insurance Expert & Registered Vet
Shih-Tzus are generally considered good family dogs. Shih-Tzus are known for the affectionate nature and can be very playful with children and other pets.
The average lifespan of a Shih-Tzu dog typically ranges from 10 to 16 years. But this can vary depending on factors such as genetics, overall health, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Yes. In the UK it is a legal requirement that all dogs are microchipped and registered before they are eight weeks old.
If you do not microchip your dog you can be fined up to £500.
Shih-Tzus generally need around 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day. This would ideally be split into a couple of short walks.
Additionally you could include some indoor playtime and garden exploring.
As they are prone to overheating be careful on hot days and shorten the walks as appropriate.
We compare quotes from 37[8] of the most trusted providers, so you can easily compare cover level, vet fee limits, excess and price.
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Based on the 10th percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between February 2025 and April 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between February 2025 and April 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51 percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted less than £19.95 per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket in the month of April 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and the pet didnt have pre-existing medical conditions
Based on Pet Insurance enquiries on MoneySuperMarket between 2025-01-01 and 2025-04-01 where the quote was for all covertype.
ABI data 2023
Based on the volume of dog insurance quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between February 2025 and April 2025.
Accurate as of 20 May 2025.
T&Cs and restrictions apply, see here for more information
T&Cs apply, click here for more information
Based on 1 visit per month – average ticket value £15.30 (Oct 24)
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